Representative Image / Canva

As a proud Indian-American and Hindu, I was raised by a single-mother who came to the United States from Gujarat, India. We worked tirelessly in our family food truck business serving curry on the University of Pittsburgh campus. 

Growing up, I saw firsthand the strength and perseverance it takes to raise a family and build a small-business from the ground up. That same determination drives me today in my commitment to public service and civic representation for Indian-Americans across this nation.

As Indian-Americans, we are part of the vibrant fabric of this nation, contributing to every field from working in the service-industry to running high-powered tech companies. Despite our growing engagement, our voices are still underrepresented in civic life. 

In my recent run for U.S. Congress in Pennsylvania’s 12th District, I experienced the challenges of trying to change this reality. I faced anti-Hindu hate, racism, and accusations of dual allegiance. It was a stark reminder that if we don’t engage politically, others will write our narrative—and they will get it wrong.

The fact that I am proud of my Hindu faith and was vocal about it became a point of contention. My commitment to the U.S. was questioned, accusing me of harboring allegiance to the Indian government because of my religion and heritage. These allegations were dangerous and rooted in stoking fear of the other. 

Worse yet, they were an attempt to undermine my candidacy by invoking a hateful, xenophobic narrative that people like me, people like us—Indian-Americans and Hindus—do not belong in the halls of U.S. Congress.

As a proud, lifelong Democrat committed to advocating for marginalized communities, I know this type of othering is not new. Historically, minority groups in America have been subjected to hateful campaigns, whether it was questioning the loyalty of Jewish-Americans, Irish immigrants, or Muslim-Americans. 

It is a tactic meant to exclude, divide, and diminish our role in the political process. But we cannot afford to let this bigotry define us or deter us from participating in civic life. The stakes are too high.

For the nearly 4.5 million Indian-Americans in the U.S., our lack of political representation is glaring. We have seen inspirational pioneers such as Vice President Kamala Harris and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi shatter glass ceilings, but these examples remain too few and far between. 

We must advocate for a seat at every table from local school boards to the highest levels of government. Representation is the cornerstone of a vibrant and thriving democracy. If we are not represented in the rooms where policies are crafted, we risk being overlooked and misrepresented.

When I reflect on my experiences, I am reminded that running for office as an Indian-American, I have a responsibility to change the narrative for future generations. Each time one of us steps into the political arena, we pave the way for more to follow. 

We dispel myths and misconceptions about who we are and what we believe. We show that our faith, our culture, and our identity are positive contributions, not dangerous threats, to strengthening democracy.

But representation is not only about elections. Civic participation takes many forms, and it begins with us showing up in our communities. Whether it is attending council meetings or organizing for causes, every act matters. These actions build the foundation for political change. Civic participation is how we ensure that our voices are heard during campaign seasons and in the ongoing process of governance.

Some might argue that politics is full of vitriol, and it is not worth the fight. I understand that sentiment—I have lived it. The hate and racist rhetoric I encountered on the campaign trail was exhausting and painful. But I also saw the outpouring of support from people who believe in the same ideals of justice and inclusion. I met voters from different backgrounds and faiths, who recognized the challenges we face—better schools, safer communities, a fair economy—are shared and universal.

Our participation in politics is a right and a responsibility. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the future of this country to engage in the democratic process. We must not allow the forces of bigotry to intimidate us into silence. 

When we encounter hate, we must respond with resilience. When we face ignorance, we must counter with education. And when we see injustice, we must meet the moment with action.

Our collective journey toward representation is about more than electing Indian-Americans. It is about building an America where every child—no matter their faith or heritage—grows up knowing their voice matters. It is about making our democracy more reflective of the diversity that defines the beauty of this country.

We are Americans, and it is time we make sure our voices are heard, not only in the privacy of our temples but in the public forums of civic debate.

I know that together, we can move beyond hate and find our rightful place in the ongoing story of American democracy.

 

The author is a former candidate for U.S. Congress (Pennsylvania's 12th District), currently Edgewood Borough Councilwoman, serves on PA Medical Marijuana Advisory Board 

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)